Philanthropy Funds New Wellness Program for those with Parkinson's disease at MercyOne Health & Fitness Center

Philanthropy Funds New Wellness Program for those with Parkinson’s disease at MercyOne Health & Fitness Center

11/04/2019

Man and Woman with Boxing GlovesThrough the generosity of a local community member, Jim Best, MercyOne Health & Fitness Center is adding Rock Steady Boxing, a noncontact boxing sport for those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, to its long list of exercise programs designed to improve the health of those in our community.

Best has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is an active member of the MercyOne Health & Fitness Center. He was inspired to bring Rock Steady Boxing to the center as a way to help others in the community with the disease lead happier and healthier lives.

“MercyOne Health & Fitness Center has a wonderful program aimed at helping people with Parkinson’s disease, and the addition of Rock Steady Boxing will make it even stronger,” said Best. “I am glad to have been able to provide the spark to make it happen.”

Rock Steady Boxing’s main goal is to lessen the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Boxers will work on agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, balance, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength to defend against and overcome their biggest opponent: Parkinson’s disease. This program is open to individuals at all stages of the disease.

“The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation estimates there are more than one million people in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and more than 60,000 people are diagnosed each year. We know that there is a need in our community to provide assistance to those effected by the disease and offering Rock Steady Boxing will allows us to help participants reverse, reduce and even delay their symptoms,” said Ildiko Timmerman, MercyOne Health & Fitness group exercise coordinator and Rock Steady Boxing master trainer.

“MercyOne Health & Fitness Center is a medically-integrated fitness facility,” said Emily Bialas, center director of MercyOne Health & Fitness Center. “Rock Steady Boxing is a perfect fit and a natural step for us to expand our services to the community.”

Rock Steady Boxing will start in November with classes meeting Tuesdays and Thursday, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Fitness Studio on the first floor of MercyOne Health & Fitness Center. For more information about the program and program price visit mercyhealthcenter.com/rock-steady-boxing or contact mercyone@rsbaffiliate.com.